Moving into storage during the busy moving season?

If you plan to move between now and September, and need to go into the mover's storage, you should consider your options for location of that storage.  Most likely you will have two options; storage at origin or storage at destination.

More than likely the mover that is preparing your moving estimate will encourage to you go into storage at origin.  This local agent may even offer you a great deal if you use storage at the location.  You need to ask the origin agent about scheduling delivery out of storage and how long it will take to get your new home once your home is ready or available.  During the summer months. interstate moves and scheduling them may take longer due to lack to date availability.   This may be especially true if you are moving cross county.  You must anticipate your move well in advance and do not expect to schedule the move out of storage last minute.

The other alternative will be storage at destination.  Most likely this storage facility will be close enough to your new home requiring only a local move once your home is ready.  The origin agent will not have as much leeway in pricing this storage since they do not control the storage at destination.  The destination storage pricing will most likely be dictated by that local agent since their storage facilities will be used.  However, it is possible that the destination agent will provide you a similar deal, but you need to ask.  The destination storage will enable you to get your things in a more timely manner.  This is the big advantage. 

So, if you are in this situation, consider your options carefully and ask the local agent about storage in both locations and delivery out of storage options.

As always. make sure to call Consumers Relocation to assist you in making all of these arrangements,  We can assist you in laying out all of your options and helping you through the details of making logistic decisions.  Call 800-839-6683 or see our website at www.consumersrelocation.com.

Fuel Surcharge continues to be large percentage of move costs

For those not involved daily in the transportation and moving business, the fact that fuel costs are a large component in the cost of moving might not be apparent.  BUT, if you are considering a move, fuel surcharges right not are running at 13-15% of the move cost!

Fuel surcharges have been a serious part of moving expenses for some time now.  And, in most cases the fuel surcharge can be moving target.  As the price of fuel goes up and down so does the fuel surcharge component.  Once you book your move, one important question is can the fuel surcharge portion be adjusted?  Generally, if you have booked your move with the mover, and all your paperwork is in, AND you have a binding quote or binding not to exceed quote, the fuel surcharge will not be adjusted.  This is generally, but policies do vary among companies  If you have a non binding quote, generally the fuel surcharge portion can be adjusted to current levels at the time of your move.  So, be sure to ask if a price adjustment is of a concern to you so you can be prepared.. 

Be sure to discuss this and all other moving issues with a Consumers Relocation Consultant.  We can help you take the mystery our of your move, while saving you time and money.  Call and ask to speak with a Consultant at 802-824-3496 or see www.consumersrelocation.com

Everyone gearing up for busy moving season

The much anticipated busy moving season starts now.  Already a surge in calls and activity signals the time when more people and families are planning their move.  One new customer called in today and sold their home in 2 days in the northeast!  This year as was the case last year, fewer drivers and crews exist throughout most of the major movers, so the van lines will be cautious about wanting moves scheduled further in advance.

Already, one of the major van lines has told us that they would like at least 8 days notice for scheduled pick ups on newly booked moves.  What this means to a family moving is that the process will have to start sooner to get the estimate for moving,  and then schedule the moving date.  Most others have not yet advised us of any restrictions going into the spring and summer.  But... we expect some time restrictions as we get further into May and June.

What all this means is that if you are planning a move in May or June you need to get the process started NOW.  At a minimum allow a week or more for the estimates, then plan to schedule your move out at least another one to two weeks to insure you get the moving dates you want.  As we get further into June allow more time to insure your selected moving dates, or you may have to settle on what is available.

As always, try to avoid scheduling moving dates close to holidays such as Memorial Day, and the end and beginning of the month during the summer.  These dates tend to be the busiest and most hectic. 

So call Consumers Relocation Services now to get started planning your move, obtaining estimates, and scheduling your move.  Your Consumers Relocation Consultant will lead you through the entire process and do all the leg work for you.  You will receive discounts and special benefits on your move as well as the guidance of a moving expert.  Also, an added bonus. you will receive our proprietary Moving Facts Booklet free of charge!
 www.consumersrelocation.com
800-839-6683
802-824-3496
Call and ask to speak with a Consultant or fill our our initiation form online.

Last minute details before you move

With your pack and loading date fast approaching, there are some simple but important details to take care of.  Check all of your records to be sure Consumers Relocation and/or you selected mover has provided you a registration number, and confirmed dates and times of the move.  Also, be sure you understand the methods of payment and the expectations the moving company understands.

Registration numbers for moves indicate that your move is definitely on the movers books, is scheduled and in most cases a driver has been assigned.  Our Consultants always follow up to get this important piece of information to insure the move is set up.  Our customers should make the same effort as well.

Confirm the pack, load and delivery dates with the chosen mover.  Your Consumers Relocation Consultant will do this, but in the event that you have worked directly on booking your move with the mover, it is important that they confirm in writing the actual dates of the move. 

You should speak with the chosen mover about your intent in making payment for your move.  If you are paying by credit card, be sure that the moving company has all of your credit card information well ahead of time.  If you are paying with certified funds be sure you understand the amount needed for payment and the movers process for accepting this. 

Finally, if you are moving alone. it is often advisable to seek a relative or friend to be present with you at the time of loading and delivering.  These times can be quite hectic,  sometimes overwhelming; and extra set of hands and eyes can reduce the burden of answering the movers questions and working with the inventory lists. 

Call your CRS Consultant to get you started and help organize your move.  These helpful hints as well as a world of other assistance can be accessed simply by having a CRS Consultant to work with throughout.

Spring! Time to move your auto back up north?

Its that time of year when folks who went south for the winter ship their autos back north for the summer.  Consumers Relocation arranges for hundreds of auto shipments for its customers each year throughout the United States and internationally.  Using only proven and trustworthy transportation companies we look for good value, full insurance coverage as well as timely and safe arrivals of the auto shipment.

Although many of our auto shipments are in conjunction with household goods moves, a large number of customers are shipping their cars independently from making a relocation.  Our customers may be moving a car for their winter and summer homes, shipping newly purchased autos, or shipping autos for their children going to college. 

Door to door or terminal to terminal service is available; or a mix of the two.  Also, we partner with one company that drivers your auto for you allowing you to transport yourself or your pet in the auto move. 

Ask about shipping your boat too!

Call us to discuss your auto shipment needs and any Consultant in our office can assist you.  800-839-6683. 

House Prices Stabilizing in January 2012

Today it was reported that house prices in 20 major markets dropped less than a year ago signalling more stabilization in the housing market.  This report signals good news as improvement in employment is thought to be the primary effecting factor.

"S&P/Case-Shiller index (SPX) of property values in 20 cities fell 3.8 percent from a year earlier, matching the median forecast of 32 economists surveyed by Bloomberg."  as reported by Bloomberg news earlier today.

 

Consumers Relocation Spring 2012 Outing

Hearty souls from CRS ventured out into the spring snow and mountains for our Annual Spring Outing and Consultant Appreciation Day!  As we normally do, Magic Mountain in Vermont was the venue on a day that it is closed.  What does this mean?  No lifts and all that choose to must hike up the mountain either on snowshoes or skis if you want a ride down.  Those that may not be inclined to do this, are sometimes embarrassed into participating.  Here are some of those that made it to the outing and took the hike!